because earlier this week, we had the speaker, john boehner, saying that he was optimistic. now he's saying no substantial progress has been made. it seems like the two sides don't trust each other. and the republicans were angry that there weren't some real cuts on the line. >> well, you know, i think you're right. but, i mean, i think this time is a replay of the last time. and i think the last time was a row play of the time before that. i mean, these things just go on and on and on. they are not really negotiating yet. this deal will be done when it's done. and until then not much has happened. this is all show. this is all talking. they're not down to the heart of it yet. >> what about those people who say let the fiscal cliff happen? go over the cliff and see what happens and what political advantage we can gain from that? >> i can't imagine -- i can't imagine when it finally gets down to it that rational people would let that happen. i mean, to throw the country into a recession, which you almost would certainly have. to have these draco nian cuts. you would have cuts